What's the fuss about parabens?

Your little baby’s skin is so soft and perfect – it’s understandable of you’re worried about you put on it.

Parabens, often found in baby skincare products, are a chemical which has recently come under fire – but do we need to be worried?

What are parabens?

Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in cosmetic products. The most common parabens you’re likely to see listed in cosmetic products are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.

These chemicals protect cosmetics against microbial growth and bacterial contamination for the benefit of users and to maintain product integrity. Without parabens, our cosmetics and toiletries would have a very short shelf life.

What about their links with breast cancer?

In 2004, a small study found traces of parabens in some samples of breast cancer tumours. This caused a panic, particularly as parabens are said to vaguely mimic oestrogen, the female hormone known to cause breast cells (both normal and cancerous) to grow and divide.

But many scientists and cancer experts are quick to point out that this study did not show that parabens caused or contributed to breast cancer development in these tumours – it only showed that they were there.

Cancer researchers also stress that although parabens have weak oestrogen-like properties, the oestrogens that are made in the body are hundreds to many thousands of times stronger.

What’s the official line?

Parabens in cosmetic products are considered safe to use when the products are used as directed, says the Government organisation, National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS).

Are they safe for baby?

There are a lot of websites and organic baby product manufacturers that say that parabens are dangerous to babies.

But parabens are considered safe at the levels used to preserve cosmetic products such as baby bath products and shampoos.

If you are worried at all, look out for the growing number of infant and general cosmetic products that say “paraben-free”.

Are there side effects?

For a small proportion of the population, parabens can cause an allergic skin irritation such as contact dermatitis and rosacea. But for the vast majority there will be no reaction to parabens.